By Li Yanjie (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-09-07 18:52

"Four seasons presented in one mountain at the same time; different weather conditions within 10 li, or five kilometers" is often used to describe Changbaishan Mountain, located in Jilin Province, Northeast China.

Local residents are proud of Changbaishan Mountain's natural scenery. And now an eco-tourism industry will be established in this area. The Administration Commission of Changbaishan Preservation and Development Zone which governs Changbaishan area, has created a fan-shaped "113377" economic structure with Tianchi Lake as the core.

The first "1" is to set up a prime tourism scenic spot, to strengthen protection and management, and to foster the construction of infrastructure of core tourism areas. The second "1" is to use the high-grade highway circling Changbaishan Mountain as a principal axis to seven districts with their regional economies. The "33" refers to the three tourism economic zones, south, north and west of Tianchi Lake, and the development points of these three zones. And "77" refers to seven sub-zones and seven environmental protection zones.

Many tourists avoided visiting Changbaishan Mountain because transportation was a problem. But the road will be paved smoother with the "Unblocked Highway Project" started in 2006. The only passenger airport in Changbaishan area is under construction, which is located in Chixi, west of Tianchi Lake District with an investment of 500 million yuan.

The Dongbiandao Railway Project will connect neighboring areas at a cost of 280 million yuan. By 2008, the transportation network of air, road and railway will take shape in Changbaishan area in the next few years.

Meanwhile, the commission established a series of policies and regulations to create a good investment environment, attracting foreign investors to participate in the development of the area. These include the service industry, such as tourism, and industries including bio-pharmacy and Chinese herbs, and the production and processing of ginseng and edible fungi. The commission also invites foreigners to invest in local enterprises buy buying shares, and merging with local companies.

The Commission plans to develop Changbaishan Mountain into a world famous tourist destination with an eco-industry in green food, mineral water and traditional Chinese medicine in 10 years.